eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: those who believe our brothers and sisters in occupied territories can renounce their national identity are mistaken, says aime boji
- Security
The President of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Aimé Boji Sangara, has praised the resilience of populations affected by armed conflicts in the eastern regions of the country. He simultaneously reinforced the National Assembly’s unwavering stance on national unity and territorial integrity.
Speaking during the closing session of the March 2026 ordinary session, Mr. Boji first paid tribute to internally displaced persons and refugees whose humanitarian situation remains dire. Addressing communities in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces, he conveyed a message of solidarity and hope amid the hardships imposed by ongoing conflicts.
“It is imperative to acknowledge the remarkable resilience of our internally displaced compatriots and refugees. Their suffering remains at the heart of the National Assembly’s concerns. I wish to take this opportunity to express solidarity and hope to our brothers and sisters in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, who continue to demonstrate resilience and resistance in the face of trials imposed by Rwandan troops and their allies, the AFC/M23,” he stated.
In a speech delivered in both Swahili and French, the Speaker of the National Assembly reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the rest of the country. He emphasized that the current occupation is neither permanent nor irreversible:
“North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri are and will forever remain integral parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a blessed gift and sacred legacy bequeathed to us by our ancestors. We firmly believe that the illegal occupation plaguing our eastern territories is neither definitive nor irreversible. Like all unjust situations in the history of peoples, this barbaric occupation will come to an end.”
Addressing those advocating for the country’s balkanization, Mr. Boji issued a stern warning against any attempt to undermine national unity or the identity of populations living in occupied zones. He underscored the unbroken connection between all Congolese people despite the current security crisis fueled by aggression and occupation attributed to the AFC/M23, reportedly backed by Rwanda:
“This is the moment to declare loudly to all those who believe our brothers and sisters in occupied territories can renounce their national identity or conspire against the nation that they are gravely mistaken. We remain in perfect communion with them and continue to defend, relentlessly, national unity, territorial integrity, and our country’s sovereignty. Indeed, our greatest weapon against adversity is not merely military strength; it is, above all, our elevated sense of patriotism, national unity, and resilience,” he declared.
The Speaker categorically rejected any attempts to divide or manipulate populations in the eastern regions. He reaffirmed the indivisible nature of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the institutions’ determination to defend every inch of national territory:
“Let the dark forces attacking our country in the east and attempting to mislead our compatriots in occupied areas know that we will oppose them with an impenetrable wall of solidarity. The Democratic Republic of Congo is one, indivisible, and plural. Whether you are in Goma, Muanda, Gemena, or Lubumbashi, the blood that flows in the east is ours. National unity is not an empty word; it is the foundation of our survival and greatness. Let them understand well that we will defend every square millimeter of our territory to the last,” he asserted.
The security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continues to deteriorate. Despite the Washington Agreement, brokered under the auspices of the United States, and the Doha Process, facilitated by Qatar with the support of the African Union, along with ongoing evaluation meetings, the security and humanitarian situation in the region remains deeply concerning. Civilian populations across the country continue to bear the brunt of violence and forced displacement, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in an international context marked by declining funding for humanitarian aid.
In response, voices at national, regional, and international levels continue to call on stakeholders to honor their commitments under peace initiatives. However, these appeals have yet to yield tangible results. Bridging the persistent gap between ground realities and diplomatic progress remains a challenge. Each party continues to interpret the provisions of agreements according to its own perspective, rendering their implementation increasingly uncertain.
Clément Muamba
